Page 15 of The Secret of the Dashing Detective
“No, I—” Slight heat washed into her cheeks. “I actually feel quite safe with you.”
“Good,” he said, his smile becoming one of self-satisfaction. “I’m glad to hear it.”
The air became charged between them as Juliana was suddenly flustered with embarrassment at her words, which was a relatively new concept for her. She looked up and caught Mr. Archibald’s light blue eyes, which were staring at her with intensity and curiosity in equal measure.
Her breath caught and she was trapped in the moment, unsure of what to say or how to respond to him. She couldn’t remember another man ever making her feel like this – so completely captivated and also somewhat unsure of herself. Was it because he was so unlike her that their differences intrigued her? Or was it something else about him as a man?
Lord Hemingway certainly didn’t evoke such thoughts – of that she was certain.
She seemed to be drawn toward Mr. Archibald and when she took a short step closer to him, he didn’t step away. She had no idea what was going to happen next, if he would come closer to her or—
But then a voice called out and broke down everything that had been building between them.
“My lady? Are you ready to leave?”
“James,” she breathed, and looked over to the road. Mr. Archibald cleared his throat, and she turned to him, forcing a small, polite smile on her face.
“I do apologize, Mr. Archibald,” she said contritely. “I should not have tried to trick you.”
“No, you should not have,” he agreed, but then dipped his head slightly. “And I do know I promised to stay silent in your meeting. I find it hard to do so, however, when there are potential threats to your safety.”
“At least I know I can always trust you with that,” she said, sweeping by him and into the carriage, afraid to remain and say any more.
CHAPTER6
Fortunately, the duke never questioned Matthew as to where he had taken – or followed, depending on who one asked – Lady Juliana the day before. Matthew considered volunteering the information but decided that as there hadn’t been much harm in the activity, it was in his best interest to maintain a cordial relationship with Lady Juliana.
This morning when Matthew arrived at Warwick House, curious as to where he would be accompanying the lady today, he found her standing just inside the front door, a bemused expression on her face.
“Mr. Archibald,” she greeted him, her head swivelling back and forth as though she was watching for something – or someone. “Thank you for coming.”
“Of course. Where will our travels take us today?”
She bit her bottom lip in an expression he had come to recognize as one she made when she wasn’t pleased about what was to come next.
“As it happens,” she said, clearing her throat slightly, “Lord Hemingway would like to escort me on a walk.”
“I see,” he said, unable to halt the streak of jealousy that filled his stomach. Where in all that was sacred had that come from? “And I am to follow behind like a dog?”
His comment was uncalled for – he knew it before the words even left his mouth and was all the more certain of it when her expression fell into one of dismay.
“It’s not like that,” she said swiftly. “Lord Hemingway came to call and requested to walk, and I thought… I thought I was only to leave the house if I was with you.”
“I see,” he said, taking a quick look around to make sure they were not being watched before he stepped in closer to her. “I do have one question for you, however.”
“Of course,” she said, her throat bobbing when she swallowed, her eyes flicking back and forth from one of his to the other as though she was nervous.
“Does he not make you feel as safe as I do?”
Her eyes widened as Matthew took a step away from her, a devilish smile on his face, and he couldn’t help his grin at her speechlessness before he looked to the doorway. There was certainly no way he could keep his eyes on her any longer – not when she was staring up at him with lips parted and green eyes locked on him. He was far too likely to lean in and take those lips for himself.
Which, he was well aware, was a fantasy he needed to bury deep within himself or he was liable to lose everything he had worked so hard for.
“Mr. Archibald,” she finally hissed at him, but before she could reveal whatever it was she had been about to say, footsteps sounded down the hall and a very cheerful Lord Hemingway appeared in the entrance to the foyer. He paid Matthew no attention besides a short nod, holding out his arm to Juliana and addressing only her. Not that Matthew was at all surprised. It was to be expected.
“Shall we take to the outdoors now?” Lord Hemingway asked. “You are wearing such a very lovely bonnet.”
“Thank you, my lord,” she responded, looking up at him with a small smile as she took his arm and stepped through the door.
